I have to go with controlling distance. If you can control distance, what can the opponent do? Given the ability to control his position and yours, you can evade his attacks easily, and pick and choose your strikes. This is the true strength of arts like Aikido and Bagua.

Step one: Defense. The art of footwork. Watch boxers for hints and clues.

[IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG] [/QUOTE] 1 REspect your foe 2 Sidestep/parry your foe,So you will be out of danger,& Your foe will be open for a strike. 3If Someone pulls you, Exaggerating the movement, will bring him off ballance,& Then strike.4 Punches,& Kicks must be rapid,Or can be used As a combo,with the fists high & kicks low.5 Let your breath out as you punch & kick,& Dont just bring your hip into the punch,Or kick,But bring your body into your punch/kick when it's time to finish him. 6 When ever you'er a attacked,keep it simple & direct. 7Keep your stances short,So you will be able to move faster. 8The Body posture,& Distance of your foe ,Will let you no when to,& When not to strike. 9 You should always be moving,Rather it's to confuse your foe, O to finish the fight. 10 Be aware of your suroundings. 11Strike when the opprotunity presents itself. [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

Concept/ "A Mind Like Water" Like a pond without disturbance is like a mirror reflecting everything, When disturbed it reflects a distorted obscured view, so keep calm as emotions can prevent unlocking all the techniques in the rest of the brain if it disturbs your breathing and awareness. The chinese concept is Wu Wei , mind of no mind. Zen.